"I've always liked what they represented the Queens-born rapper told
Forbes magazine. Nas has invested an undisclosed six-figure sum in the
publication which returned earlier this year after a five-year hiatus.
Nas said he saw their vision, and felt he "could add value" to the product "across the board.
He will serve as associate publisher for the magazine, which was founded in 1996 as a graffiti magazine.
Nas revealed that at one point he had actually considered starting his own publication, but decided against it as he wanted to add his creativity and expertise to an existing brand,
Forbes reports.
"Mass Appeal has a legacy and respect," he says. "It already has a foundation. I just feel like I can add on because I can lend my kind of cultural expertise and professional acumen."
Unlike some of Nas' HipHop contemporaries, he hasn't been involved in many mega ventures. Rappers like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Diddy were placed among
Forbes Top 5 Wealthiest HipHop Stars, but until now, Nas has taken a different approach, but now he is more focused on business and credits Magic Johnson as one of his main inspirations.
Earlier this year, he was named
brand ambassador for Hennessy's "Wild Rabbit" campaign.
